Firearm Impingement Block Having Spring Valve Gas Relief

ABSTRACT

A firearm impingement apparatus that is operable to divert gas flowing into the gas block of the impingement apparatus in a first direction and a second direction so as to reduce the temperature and contamination thereof. The gas block includes a gas block port line that is in axial alignment with a gas vent tube located on a barrel of a firearm. The gas block further includes a spring valve assembly. The spring valve assembly includes a cylindrical body having a hollow passage with opening on each end. A spring is captively secured within the hollow passage and further biases a ball bearing disposed within the hollow passage against an opening. The ball bearing is movable intermediate a first position and a second position wherein in the second position the ball bearing permits the second direction of gas flow to exit the gas block.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/588,999, titled, FIREARM IMPINGEMENT SYSTEM HAVING ADJUSTABLE GAS BLOCK, filed on Jan. 5, 2015 is herein incorporated for reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to firearms, more specifically but not by way of limitation, rifle impingement systems, both direct gas and gas piston systems wherein the impingement block of the present invention is operable to include a spring valve operable to control the flow of gas directed operating the carrier assembly.

BACKGROUND

Rifles such as but not limited to the AR15 utilize impingement systems to cycle the bolt carrier during the firing process. As is known in the art, there are two types of impingement systems. A direct gas impingement system is operably coupled to the barrel of the rifle and includes a port that is operably coupled to the barrel chamber and a gas tube adjacent to the barrel. A portion of the gas created during the firing of a round escapes into the port and is routed back to the bolt carrier, which facilitates the rearward movement thereof. The alternative style of impingement system is a gas piston impingement system. The gas piston impingement system also includes a port that is operably coupled to the barrel but leads to a piston chamber. The piston chamber contains a piston head wherein the piston head includes a piston rod extending therefrom having an end adjacent to the bolt carrier. During the firing process a portion of the gas escapes from the barrel and into the piston chamber which drives the rod rearward towards the bolt carrier in order to facilitate the movement thereof.

One problem with the current impingement systems mentioned herein is the continuous introduction of carbon-laden gas into either the gas tube and firing chamber or the piston chamber. As rounds are fired the accumulation of carbon and other contaminants build up in various areas of the firearm and reduce the effectiveness of its components. Without regular cleaning this can lead to the misfiring or jamming of the rifle during the shooting process.

Another problem with existing impingement systems is there lack of gas control. Both existing types of impingement systems utilize a method of controlling the gas flow from the barrel into the port that controls the input flow of gas into the gas block port of the impingement block. Utilization of this technique results in excess pressure on the impingement system block and excessive heat build-up. This increases the wear on the component and ultimately leads to the early failure thereof.

Accordingly, there is a need for an impingement system for a firearm that is operable to control the gas flow into the impingement block so as to eliminate contaminant build-up in other areas of the firearm and reduce the heating of the impingement block so as to improve the overall performance of the firearm. Additionally, it is desired to have an impingement gas block that utilizes a spring valve disposed within the impingement gas block wherein the spring valve is operable to control the gas flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an impingement gas block for a firearm that includes a gas block having a releasably secured spring valve assembly therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an impingement gas block for a firearm wherein the spring valve assembly includes a cylindrical body having a hollow passage therethrough wherein the cylindrical body has a first end and a second end.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an impingement gas block for a firearm wherein the cylindrical body of the spring valve assembly includes a first opening and a second opening located at opposing ends of the body.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an impingement gas block for a firearm wherein the spring valve assembly includes a spring mounted within the hollow passage of the body wherein the spring has a first end and a second end.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an impingement gas block for a firearm wherein the spring valve assembly includes a ball bearing movably secured within the passage of the cylindrical body proximate the first end of the spring.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an impingement gas block for a firearm wherein the cylindrical body of the spring valve assembly includes external threads thereon so as to releasably secure to the impingement gas block.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the spring valve assembly of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is side view of the impingement block and spring valve assembly; and

FIG. 3 is an exterior view of the impingement block of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a firearm impingement gas block 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 herein, an embodiment of the firearm impingement gas block 100 is illustrated therein. The embodiment of the firearm impingement gas block 100 is a conventional piston impingement apparatus. The piston impingement embodiment 105 includes gas block 10 that is integrally formed with barrel-mating sleeve 15. The gas block 10 and barrel-mating sleeve 15 are integrally formed utilizing suitable techniques and are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. The barrel-mating sleeve 15 is manufactured similarly to conventional barrel sleeves of existing impingement systems wherein the barrel-mating sleeve 15 includes two opposing semi-circular portions 20 (only one portion illustrated herein) that form a passage that is operable to receive a barrel assembly 30 of a firearm therethrough. The barrel-mating sleeves 15 are secured to barrel assembly 30 utilizing fasteners 35 proximate lower edge 16 of barrel-mating sleeve 15. The barrel-mating sleeve 15 is surroundably mounted to a barrel assembly 30 of a firearm wherein the gas block line port 50 bored within the gas block 10 is in axial alignment with gas vent tube 40. Gas vent tube 40 includes hollow passage 53 having openings 51, 52 on opposing ends thereof. Gas vent tube 40 is bored through barrel assembly 30 using conventional techniques and facilitates the fluid communication between the barrel assembly 30 and the gas block 10.

As a round of ammunition is fired and passes through the passage 29 of the barrel assembly 30, associated gas also passes through the passage 29 and a portion of the gas propagates into the gas vent tube 40. Gas entering the gas vent tube 40 facilitates the operation of the firearm impingement gas block 100. Ensuing the firing of a round of ammunition, gas flows from the gas vent tube 40 into the gas block line port 50 and subsequently into the chamber 60. As gas flows into the chamber 60, the increase in pressure within the chamber 60 drives the piston rod 70 rearward wherein the piston rod 70 will operably engage with a conventional bolt carrier of a the firearm to which the firearm impingement gas block 100 is operably coupled in order to cycle the bolt carrier to retrieve another round of ammunition into the firing chamber. During the passage of gas from the passage 29 into the gas block line port 50, the expansion of the gas and the temperature thereof creates excessive pressure and wear on the gas block 10. In order to control the diversion of gas flow into a first direction and a second direction wherein the first direction of gas flow is operable to cycle the piston 70 as described herein and the second direction is to exit the gas block 10 a spring valve assembly 80 is releasably secured within the gas block 10.

The spring valve assembly 80 includes body 82 that is cylindrical in shape and is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. The body 82 first end 88 and second end 89 having a hollow passage 87 extending between the first end 88 and second end 89. The hollow passage 87 functions to accommodate the second direction of gas flow. The body 82 includes first opening 94 proximate first end 88 and second opening 95 proximate second end 89. First opening 94 and second opening 95 are in fluid communication with passage 87. Circumferentially formed on the exterior surface 78 of the body 82 are threads 81. Threads 81 are operable to releasably secure the spring valve assembly 80 into the gas block 10.

Disposed within passage 87 are spring 85 and ball bearing 90. The spring 85 is manufactured from a resilient metal and is calibrated to have a compression rating that is sufficient to allow the first direction of gas flow operate the piston 70 as described herein and promote the discharge of the second direction of gas flow through opening 95 so as to be discharged from the gas block 10. As gas enters chamber 60, the increase in pressure within chamber 60 will apply sufficient pressure to move the piston 70 and additionally exert pressure on the ball bearing 90 such that the ball bearing will begin to traverse within the passage 87. As the ball bearing 90 moves from being proximate the first end 88 in its first biased position towards the second end 89, the second direction of gas flow propagates into the passage 87 and subsequently outward from second opening 95. While a ball bearing 90 has been disclosed herein as a preferred technique of sealing the opening 94, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous types of elements such as but not limited to plugs or stoppers could be used to perform the desired functionality as described herein. Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention the ball bearing 90 could be formed in numerous different shapes in addition to the round shape disclosed herein.

As previously mentioned herein, the compression rating of the spring 85 is calibrated so as to allow any excess gas flow not required for operation of the piston 70 to be directed in the second direction of gas flow through the spring valve assembly 80. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 85 could have various different compression ratings so as to facilitate the operation of the spring valve assembly 80 as described herein.

While a piston embodiment of the firearm impingement gas block 100 has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the firearm impingement gas block 100 could be a direct gas impingement block.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm impingement apparatus comprising: a gas block, a barrel-mating sleeve, said barrel mating sleeve being integrally formed with said gas block; a gas block port line, said gas block port line having a hollow passage, said gas block port line extending through said gas block, said gas block port line being in axial alignment with a vent line of a barrel of a firearm; a spring valve assembly, said spring valve assembly being releasably secured to said gas block, said spring valve assembly operable to direct a gas flow exiting from a vent line of a barrel of a firearm in a first direction and a second direction, said spring valve assembly further including a body, said body having a hollow passage, said body having a spring disposed within said hollow passage, said spring valve further including a plug, said plug being movable within said hollow passage; and wherein the spring valve assembly is operable to divert the gas flow entering the gas block in a first direction and a second direction.
 2. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 1, and further including threads, said threads being circumferentially formed on said body, said threads operable to releasably secure said spring valve assembly to said gas block.
 3. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said spring is operable to bias said plug in a first position.
 4. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said plug is moved from said first position to a second position subsequent gas entering said gas block.
 5. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the second direction of gas flow passes through the hollow passage of the spring valve assembly subsequent the plug being moved to said second position.
 6. A firearm impingement apparatus operable to divert gas flowing thereinto in a first direction and a second direction comprising: a gas block, a barrel-mating sleeve, said barrel mating sleeve being integrally formed with said gas block; a gas block port line, said gas block port line having a hollow passage, said gas block port line extending through said gas block, said gas block port line being in axial alignment with a vent line of a barrel of a firearm; a spring valve assembly, said spring valve assembly being releasably secured to said gas block, said spring valve assembly having a body, said body being cylindrical in shape, said body having a first end and a second end, said body having a first opening proximate said first end and a second opening proximate said second end, said body having a hollow passage therethrough wherein said hollow passage is in fluid communication with said first opening and said second opening, said spring valve assembly further including a spring, said spring being captively secured within said hollow passage of said body, said spring having a first end and a second end, said spring valve assembly further including a ball bearing, said ball bearing being mounted within said hollow passage adjacent to said first end of said spring, said spring being operable to bias said ball bearing in its first position; and wherein the spring valve assembly is operable to divert the gas flow entering the gas block in a first direction and a second direction.
 7. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the first direction of gas flow is directed so as to facilitate the cycling of a carrier of a firearm in a firing chamber.
 8. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the second direction of gas flow is operable to transition said ball bearing from its first position to a second position, wherein in said second position said ball bearing has traversed along said hollow passage away from said first opening so as permit the second direction of gas flow to enter the hollow passage of said body of the spring valve assembly.
 9. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the second direction of gas flow propagates the second opening of said body of the spring valve assembly.
 10. The firearm impingement apparatus as recited in claim 9, and further including threads, said threads being circumferentially formed on said body, said threads operable to releasably secure said spring valve assembly to said gas block. 